replacing sub in 2011 Pilot

[oter178]

We just purchased a 2011 EX-L with RES Tuesday with the 10 speaker 512 watt system with factory sub and I must say it is one of the worst sounding systems I have ever heard as far as bass!!!!!!!!! Can I get away with just replacing the factory sub with a aftermarket one? I really don't wanna start hacking up this brand new car but we just need a little more bass for our taste. Thanks for input

[Whitehondapilot]

I also would like to know if anyone has upgraded just the subwoofer. I think the sound is terrible. Is there enough air space for the existing one, or does it need more, or just more power?

[oter178]

Please some input!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[netman88]

I don't think you can replace the sub with an aftermarket one.

Try contacting Crutchfield.com to see if they offer any other alternatives.

[330indy]

You need to match precisely the Thiele/Small parameters of the driver for it to work. Also consider sensitivity for it to match the rest of the system. There is more "downside" than "upside" unless someone deliberately designs an exact replacement.

[oter178]

Bummer cause it sucks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Definitely not the Honda quality sound I am use to for sure.

[oter178]

Does anyone know where the amp is and if you can turn it up?

[ED27]

Originally Posted by oter178

Does anyone know where the amp is and if you can turn it up?

It should be high up in the passenger kickpanel. Look for a metal box that has two connectors; (1) 24-pin and (1) 28-pin. Unfortunately it will not have gain controls like an aftermarket amp. If you're looking for more output/SPL, there's not much you can do with the factory setup. You'll have to go aftermarket (amp and sub). If you really want to pursue keeping the OEM system intact as much as possible, here's what I suggest. Measure the impedance of the factory sub - on the 24-pin connector, red is negative and white is positive. You can also take the measurement right at the speaker. On a DMM it should read either 2 or 4ohms. I would then shop around for an 8" sub of the same impedance and mounting depth but with a high sensitivty rating - usually something in the 90db+ range. You'll need to calculate the volume of the factory sub enclosure as well to narrow down what subs to look at.

[oter178]

So are you saying I may be able to get by with just changing out the sub and not adding a amp? Just want to be clear

[ED27]

Originally Posted by oter178

So are you saying I may be able to get by with just changing out the sub and not adding a amp? Just want to be clear

Yes....if you can find one that matches the stock sub's impedance; works in the same size enclosure; and has a high sensitivity rating. Even then any benefit would be marginal. The limiting factors are output power of the factory amp, crossover point and any auto-EQ circuit.

If you think the factory setup is "one of the worst sounding systems I have ever heard as far as bass" then an aftermarket amp and sub combo is the only way to go to give you what you're looking for.

[oter178]

Ok thanks for the input. So sad to have to do this to such a high end vehicle in my opinion. Oh well.

[330indy]

so... the sub power in the RES system is not stronger than the standard system??

[oter178]

no Indy it sucks!!!!!!!!!! My 2003 G35 I traded in had a better sound system then this vehicle. I would be embarrassed if I was Honda.

[kasrhp]

If your issue is with the sub, and it seems like the sub alone, I would not continue to say the entire system sucks. You should say the subwoofer is lacking.

I do agree with you though. I am getting ready to get a new sub setup in there. I will add an amplifier and a new subwoofer. If you are doing it on your own, you can find a speaker and amplifier to replace what is already existing. If you are new to doing this, go to a good car audio place and talk to them. They can re-cut/replace the subwoofer box to expand the amount of space that is being used by the subwoofer. You can replace it with a very good 8" woofer, or a 10" even. Combine that with a decent amp, and you will have plenty of "life" in the system. There are lots of options out there to suit your needs though. If you need more specifics, dont hesitate to ask.

[JERRYPILOT]

First post..

Warning.....

I replaced my 2005 Honda Pilots stereo and 4 speakers and it sounded great.. Did it myself through components from Crutchfield and it was simple..

So, I decided to take it a step further and get more Bass.. Bought a TS-SW2541D Pioneer & Amp after reading some of the posts on this site.. Decided to have it installed professionally.. It was installed without an enclosure and is worthless.. It sounds horrible!!

I am now going to pull the subwoofer out and try and create a Sealed Enclosure myself.. Took out the back seat and the panel this afternoon (see photo) for easy access..

In addition to warning folks not to put in a subwoofer without an enclosure, can anyone out there post some pics of the steps they followed to create their own Sealed enclosure?? I searched this forum but have not found anything useful... Thanks in advance!